How to Change Your Address with the California DMV

What You Need to Do to Change Your Address with California DMV

The California Department of Motor Vehicles lets you change the address on your driver's license, ID card, or vehicle registration through three routes: online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. The online method is fastest if your license or ID is current and you have a valid email address. Mail and in-person visits work if you prefer not to use the online system, though they take longer. You do not need to renew your license or ID to change your address — this is a separate transaction that costs nothing.

Your address change takes effect when ready online or in person. By mail, the DMV processes requests within two to three weeks, though you should allow extra time for postal delivery both ways. Once your address is updated in the DMV system, your next renewal notice and any official documents will go to the new address.

Key Takeaways

Online address changes through dmv.ca.gov are the fastest method and work if your license or ID is not expired and you have a valid email address.
You can change your address by mail by filling out the correct form (DL 43 for driver's licenses and ID cards, REG 14 for vehicle registration) and mailing it with proof of residency.
In-person visits at any DMV office take effect when ready but require a trip and may involve wait times, especially during peak hours.
Proof of residency — such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days — is required for mail and in-person changes.
Address changes are free and do not affect your license or registration expiration date.

Changing Your Address Online

The online method works only if your driver's license or ID card is current (not expired) and you have access to a valid email address. Go to dmv.ca.gov, select "Address Change" from the main menu, and follow the prompts. You will need to enter your driver's license or ID number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and then ask for your new address.

After you submit your new address online, the DMV sends a confirmation email to the address you provided. Your address change is active in the DMV system right away. You do not receive a new card or document in the mail — your current license or ID remains valid at your old address until it expires. When you renew, the new card will show your updated address.

If your license or ID is expired, you cannot use the online method. You must either renew it first (which you can do online if it expired within five years) or use the mail or in-person options described below.

Changing Your Address by Mail

To change your address by mail, you need the correct form. For a driver's license or ID card, use Form DL 43 (Change of Address). For vehicle registration, use Form REG 14 (process for Replacement of Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated Registration Card or Plates). Both forms are available on dmv.ca.gov or at any DMV office.

Fill out the form completely with your new address. Include a copy of proof of residency dated within the last 60 days — acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government-issued mail with your name and new address. Do not send your original license, ID, or registration card unless the form specifically asks for it.

Mail the completed form and proof of residency to the DMV address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your mail, plus time for postal delivery. If you need your address changed quickly, the in-person method is faster.

Changing Your Address in Person at a DMV Office

Walk into any DMV office with your current driver's license or ID card and proof of residency dated within the last 60 days. Tell the staff member you want to change your address. They will update your information in the system, and the change takes effect when ready. You do not receive a new card unless you also renew your license or ID at the same time.

Bring the same proof of residency documents accepted for mail requests: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or government-issued mail showing your name and new address. The document must be dated within 60 days of your visit.

DMV offices are typically busiest mid-morning and mid-afternoon on weekdays. You can check wait times on dmv.ca.gov before you go, or make an appointment online to reduce your time in the office. Some offices allow you to skip the line if you have an appointment.

What Counts as Proof of Residency

Proof of residency must show your name and your new address, and must be dated within 60 days of when you submit it. The DMV accepts the following documents:

Utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone)
Lease agreement or rental contract
Mortgage statement or property tax bill
Government-issued mail (tax return, voter registration card, court document)
Bank or credit card statement
Insurance policy or insurance bill
Pay stub from your employer

The document must have your name printed on it — handwritten addresses are not accepted. If you recently moved and do not yet have a document dated at your new address, you may be able to use a signed letter from your landlord or property manager on letterhead, though you should call your local DMV office first to confirm they accept this.

Changing Your Vehicle Registration Address Separately

Your vehicle registration address is separate from your driver's license address. If you move, you should update both. To change only your registration address, use Form REG 14 and mail it with proof of residency, or visit a DMV office in person. You can also change your registration address online through dmv.ca.gov if your registration is current.

Some people keep their registration at an old address temporarily while they update their license at the new one, or vice versa. There is no penalty for this, but the DMV will eventually send renewal notices to whichever address is on file. Keeping both addresses current prevents confusion and ensures you receive important notices.

What Happens After Your Address Change

Once your address is updated, the DMV uses the new address for all future correspondence. Your next renewal notice, any tickets or violations, and official documents will be mailed to your new address. If you changed your address online or in person, the change is active when ready. If you mailed your request, allow two to three weeks for processing plus postal delivery time.

Your current license or ID card remains valid even though it shows your old address. You do not need to carry proof that you have moved. When your license or ID expires and you renew it, the new card will show your updated address.

If you move again before your renewal, you can change your address as many times as needed at no cost. Each change overwrites the previous one in the DMV system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address if I move to a different county in California?

Yes. Any move within California requires an address change with the DMV, even if you stay in the same county. The address on your license or ID should match where you currently live.

What if I do not have proof of residency dated within 60 days?

Contact your local DMV office before you visit or mail your request. Some offices accept a signed letter from your landlord or property manager on letterhead if you have just moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name at the new address. The DMV may also accept other documents depending on your situation.

Can I change my address if my license or ID is expired?

No, not online. You must use the mail or in-person method. If your license or ID expired more than five years ago, you will need to renew it before you can change your address. If it expired within five years, you can renew it online first, which also lets you change your address in the same transaction.

How long does an address change take by mail?

The DMV processes mail requests within two to three weeks from the date they receive it. Add time for your envelope to reach the DMV office and for any confirmation mail to reach you. If you need your address changed quickly, visit a DMV office in person or use the online method.

Will I get a new license or ID card with my new address?

No. An address change does not issue a new card. Your current card remains valid with your old address printed on it. When you renew your license or ID at its expiration date, the new card will show your updated address. If you want a new card with your current address before renewal, you can pay a fee to replace your card, but this is optional.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.